In the only CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match of the day, Ghana defeated Congo 3-1 to move three points clear of Sudan, who play Swaziland on Sunday, in Group I.
Ghana spirits were boosted with a 3-0 win over Congo, while Côte D'Ivoire, Zambia, Congo DR and Nigeria all came out on top in their respective 2012 CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches.
2012 CAF Africa Cup of Nations
Egypt were forced to come from behind to gain a share of the points in their opening CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Sierra Leone in Cairo, while Ghana and Nigeria scored comfortable home wins.
Sunderland's pre-season campaign ended in defeat as they were beaten 3-1 by German side Hoffenheim at the Rhein-Neckar Arena.
Ghana's Black Stars shone brightly at South Africa 2010, and their valiant journey to the quarter-finals has seen them shoot up global standings.
FIFA.com spoke to Richard Kingson, Stephen Appiah, Prince Tagoe and Andre Ayew following Ghana's 1-0 victory over Serbia at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
